Rasteau : A century of cooperation, passion and progress
A legacy of pionneers and resilience
Founded in 1925 during challenging economic times, the Rasteau winery was born from the bold initiative of visionary winegrowers who chose to unite their efforts. Facing reliance on wine merchants of the era, these men and women laid the groundwork for a collective journey that continues to thrive today. Despite the challenges of the past century - from the phylloxera crisis to shifting markets - the cooperative adapted, grew, and prospered. Over the decades, its presidents and directors worked tirelessly to preserve Rasteau's identity while driving innovation, most notably achieving Cru status for Rasteau in the Rhône Valley in 2010.
A centennial to celebrate, a village to honor
The 2025 centennial celebration is more than just a festive occasion; it is a tribute to the core values of the winery. Solidarity, knowledge sharing, and a passion for the vine will take center stage in celebratory events, exclusive tastings, and the lunch of a special cuvée to mark the milestone. These festivities will highlight the cooperative's essential role in Rasteau's social and economic development. As a true emblem of the village, the wonery represents a collective history where every winegrower plays a crucial part in this century-long sucess.
A new era, a sustainable future
Since 2022, Paul Girard, the winery's president, has championed an ambitious vision for the future. Supported by a dedicated team, he has accelerated the transition to organic farming and reinforced the cooperative's strong identity. The partnership with Rhonéa, established in 2019, is entering a new phase in early 2025, promising innovative and sustainable prospects.
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Focus on winery investments
“The winery hadn’t invested for 10 years,” explains Paul Girard, elected president in 2022. “To sustain and improve our facilities, launching an ambitious program was essential.” As part of this initiative, a third reception area was installed in 2021/2022, dedicated entirely to organic grapes. This ensures selective sorting and isolation of grape bins. By 2026, nearly 40% of the winery’s managed vineyards will be certified organic—an exemplary achievement!
In 2024, several key investments were made:
- Walkways and safety railings were installed in the cellar to improve staff safety.
- The first phase of floor renovations was completed, with two additional phases planned for 2025 and 2026. The new smooth, easy-to-clean surfaces will enhance working conditions while reducing water consumption.
- 3,000 hectoliters of concrete tanks were equipped with a computer-controlled temperature regulation system. Looking ahead, the winery will expand its range of smaller tanks to support parcel selection and smaller production lots.
Additional projects are under discussion as part of the Arpège project, which aims to streamline the group’s overall organization. More details will be shared in the future.
Did you know?
The Rasteau winery features:
- 9 appellations, including Crus (Rasteau, Cairanne, Vinsobres), Côtes du Rhône Villages, and Côtes du Rhône.
- 65 Artisan Winegrowers, 15% of whom are certified organic.